Karina Pandya

Tucked between the sacred and the swarming lies Mahim—a place that feels like a time-lapse between Mumbai’s storied past and its restless present. It’s only fitting that Mariya Mirza represents this transitional neighbourhood, where ancient shrines coexist with traffic snarls, and the aroma of street food dances through narrow lanes lined with aspirations. At just 21, Mariya is sharper than your morning espresso and twice as energising. She’s not just another intern ticking boxes—she’s the one subtly redesigning the list while meeting every deadline on it. Whether her hair is straightened or neatly pulled back into a ponytail, Mariya carries an unmistakable air of purpose. Her aesthetic is minimal—makeup that enhances but never shouts, crisp collared shirts, and knee-length skirts that mirror her structured approach to chaos. But don’t mistake her orderliness for predictability. Behind that calm exterior is a relentless mind—constantly analysing, planning, creating. She’s the girl who ...

If there’s one person who could narrate a traffic jam and make it sound like a blockbuster, it’s Shiva Prasad.  At 22, he’s not just a boy from Andhra Pradesh—he’s a walking, talking narrative, wrapped in unruly curls and colourful shirts! Shiva’s hair has its own personality—thick, dark, and unapologetically wild. Those curls frame his face like nature’s way of saying,  "This one doesn’t follow rules."  Every now and then, you’ll catch him running a finger through them, as if rearranging the thoughts he’s about to spill next. He’s got that rugged charm, the kind that makes you curious. A slightly rough-around-the-edges vibe that feels real. No filters. No pretence. Just stories—raw, full of life, and dripping with detail. You’ll rarely see Shiva repeat an outfit. One day it’s a teal shirt, the next day burnt orange, always paired with trousers that say,  “I’m here for comfort, not conformity.”  His style is as expressive as his tales—bold, individualistic, and ...

In the bustling city corners where ambition meets attitude, you’ll find Ritvik Jain—sharp, composed, and unmistakably charismatic. At just 21, Ritvik has already mastered the art of making an impression without saying a word. His spiky, neatly trimmed hair is always in place, like he knew the camera might catch him mid-thought. Beneath thick, expressive eyebrows are intense, dark eyes that seem to weigh every word before it’s even spoken. And those cheekbones? Razor-sharp. Like his focus! But here’s the curveball: Just when you think he’s all edge and enigma, a pair of deep dimples show up—unexpected and disarming. Even in the middle of a heated argument, they have a way of softening the blow. You’ll forgive him. You won’t even know why. Clean-shaven and crisp in style, Ritvik doesn’t just enter a room—he ' owns'  it. With a walk that combines confidence and calm, he moves like someone who knows where he’s going and doesn’t need to prove it to you. He’s the kind of guy wh...

Mahi is 5'3" in height, but don't be fooled. Her presence stretches beyond those inches, especially when she's passionately arguing about the Oxford comma like it's a matter of national policy!   At 21, Mahi already speaks like she's edited a thousand stories and lived through half of them. Her ponytail is always tied up with a brightly coloured scrunchie. It isn't just a hairstyle -it's her identity. You'll see it bounce as she walks or swivels as she turns mid-rant about inconsistent formatting. Her fingers fly over the keyboard like they're racing against time because they usually are! Mahi has two dimples—one on her left cheek and one hiding in the corner of her upper right smile. They show up exactly when she's cracked a line she knows is gold or when she's fixed a comma that's been bothering her since 9 a.m. She speaks in a soft, melodic Bengali accent - like a lullaby that can critique your grammar without hurting your feeling...

  Being invited to serve as a jury member at  Outsiders Film Festival 2  was both an honour and a deeply enriching experience. This unique festival has carved a space for itself by spotlighting bold new voices in short films—stories that are often overlooked, yet urgently need to be told.  Over the day, we watched an incredible spectrum of films—ranging from hard-hitting documentaries like  The Dirty Sky  to experimental fiction and socially charged narratives. Each screening reinforced the power of storytelling and the crucial role that platforms like  Outsiders  play in amplifying unheard perspectives. What makes this festival truly special is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. It champions narratives from the fringes and makes sure every filmmaker’s voice is not just heard but celebrated. It was a privilege to share jury responsibilities with a diverse panel of stalwarts from the world of cinema, journalism, literature, and the arts...

On May 13th, 2017, something unforgettable unfolded beneath the arches of Mumbai’s historic David Sassoon Library. As twilight dipped into the open courtyard, the air crackled with anticipation, creativity, and raw, unfiltered emotion. That evening, I hosted my very first event under the banner of my poetry start-up  Limits Make Things Too Small —an idea born from the belief that expression knows no bounds. This wasn’t just any event. It was a coming together of voices from across the city—a mosaic of poetry, spoken word, and storytelling. With 20 powerful performances lined up, each artist took the stage carrying a piece of themselves—some with fire, others with fragility—but all with fearless honesty. There were no velvet curtains, no dramatic stage lighting—just a mic, an open lawn, and a crowd hungry for art. The intimate charm of the library lent a quiet kind of magic: every word became an echo, every pause a shared moment of reflection. It wasn’t just a showcase—it was a safe...